Deja Vu

PT.3

Kitty sat stunned taking in a deep breath, as everyone rushed to greet Matt.

Poppa, we were all worried about you. You've been gone so long. And Momma… well, Momma she…"

Now nodding, "Yeah, Honey, I know how you're Momma worries when I'm gone. Speaking of your Momma…" Just then, he turned to see Kitty standing in the archway.

"Welcome home, Cowboy."

Quickly, the girls ushered the kids into another room knowing Matt and Kitty needed a moment alone. Quickly, he enveloped her into his large frame.

Sighing, "Uh, Cowboy, I was beginning to..."

"Et et, Kit, I'm here and I'm safe. You don't have to worry about things like that anymore. Remember?"

"Oh, Cowboy. I wish that were true."

Now pushing her back at arms length, looking her eye to eye. "Kit, what does that mean?"

Kitty swallowed hard, reaching into her pocket, pulling out the small envelope. Walking across the room, she poured them both a drink, turned and handed him both the glass of brown liquid and the envelope. "Matt, Newly brought this, this morning."

He glanced at it and back at her expression. "Now, Kit..."

"Oh no, Matt. Please don't finish what you're about to say."

Matt raised his brow, inhaled and began to open the letter. Silently he read.

Dear Mr. Dillon,

President of the United States, William McKinley, requests the honor of your presence in Washington D.C. You are to be the guest of honor to be presented with a lifetime achievement award for your service to your country as a United States Marshal.

Matt stood quietly stunned and surprised, saying nothing.

"Matt?" Tilting her head, furrowing her brow. "Cowboy, what is it?" Grabbing his arm. "Cowboy? Please, you're scaring me."

Suddenly, he handed her the letter, finishing off his drink. Kitty began reading the letter aloud.

"OHHHHHH! Oh, Matt, this is... this is wonderful! Cowboy, this is something you..."

Matt quickly threw up his hands. "Now wait, Kitty. I don't know about this?"

"WHAT? Matt Dillon, after all the years you've given to this country and everything you've sacrificed, of yourself and..."

"Wait, Kit. Honey, I didn't do all that for some award."

Softening her expression, "Cowboy, you don't need to tell me. No one knows you better than me. But, Cowboy, there are people who do feel differently and want to express how they feel. Matt, you've given the better part of your life to the law, to the War Department. They want to recognize you for that. So why not? Matt, you deserve to be recognized for what you've done. Why, when we first started out in Dodge all those years ago it was nothing really. It was wild, no law, a free for all, Gomorrah of the Plains. Matt, you gave the folks a decent place to live. Somewhere for families to call home. YOU did that! They are grateful. They appreciate you for that. They love you for that. And if you remember, they proved that when Tate Crocker held us hostage."

Now cupping his face in her hands. "Cowboy, I understand how you feel. I learned a long time ago how you felt about it, what it meant to you to pin that tin badge on. Believe me, I know. But at the same time, it's ok to allow people, your friends and loved ones, to show you how they feel and how much they care and appreciate you." Leaning up, she placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Kitty Russell Dillon." Now pulling her tight to him. "Just when I think I couldn't love you more."

Just then four small voices chimed in. "Grandpa!" Now jumping and grabbing at him.

"Whoa! Whoa! Take it easy here. Your Grandpa isn't getting..."

"Ahh, come on Grandpa. You always wrestle with us."

Kitty just smiled, backing away. "You're on your own, Cowboy."

Grace, Chet, Mary and Frank entered the room followed by Festus. "Kids? What is going on here?"

Kitty shook her head. "They're just welcoming Grandpa home." Now laughing.

"Well, Momma, you look like your mood is better."

Nodding, "Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. Come sit. I'll fill you all in."

As they all gathered around the table in the kitchen, "Momma, what is it?"

"Well, that letter, the one Newly left with me from the War Department? It seems your Poppa is being honored by the War Department and the president."

"The president?" Mary repeated.

"Yes, Honey. It's for his lifetime achievements as a United States Marshal and his service to his country."

"POPPA? That's wonderful! Poppa! I'm so proud of him. Well, I've always been but this is... well... I'm..."

Smiling, "I know, sweetheart."

"Is he going to accept? Momma, you know Poppa..."

Nodding, "Um, I'm working on him, sweetheart." Smiling at them all.

"When will you go?"

"Next week. We'll take the train to Washington D.C. Should be an easy trip."

"Oh, Momma you and Poppa deserve a nice quiet, relaxing trip together."

TBC